GEORGE NEWS - In response to public concern about litter, film props and flotsam left behind at the Garden Route Dam by a filming crew in October, George Municipality has asked the public to be patient while the clean-up and restoration process is executed.
It denied allegations that no clean-up has taken place and that indigenous vegetation removal has taken place.
"The municipality confirms again that existing trails were used for access during construction, operation as well as decommissioning," the municipality said in a statement dated 10 December.
"The production team, led by Red Pepper Productions and its CEO Cecil Barry, a self-professed environmentalist, have undertaken this project with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility."
The municipality said heavy rains prior to filming had brought flotsam, jetsam and litter into the dam "several times". The production team actively cleaned these materials throughout the preproduction, filming, and postproduction phases. Currently, local workers remain on site to assist with further clean-up efforts around the construction areas.
After filming ended, 13 white plastic floaters were reported missing and the production team hired a service provider who retrieved them all, along with residual wood chips and logs linked to filming activities.
Three black bags of litter that was not generated by the production crew were also collected, according to the municipality.
A George-based small business specialising in vegetation management was engaged to address black wattle infestations around the filming site.
"The contractor, an expert in indigenous and non-indigenous plant species, has ensured that this work enhances the ecological balance of the area. Further wattle removal and rehabilitation, including the planting of indigenous vegetation, will be carried out in the relevant areas utilised for the production."
The municipality aired concern over "uninformed criticism" directed at the production company and itself and stated that the filming activities as well as ongoing clean-up efforts demonstrate a continued commitment to meeting the strict environmental conditions outlined in the permits, which includes monitoring by a professional environmental practitioner.
"Constructing the filming infrastructure took longer than three months, and a thorough clean-up cannot be accomplished in a single day.
"George Municipality will conduct a final inspection to ensure compliance with all environmental standards before declaring the project complete. Further updates will be provided as progress continues."
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